Pakistan Peace and Solidarity Council condemns the sectarian violence in Rawalpindi and other cities in Punjab province.

Pakistan Peace and Solidarity Council strongly condemn the killing of 10 people in the sectarian violence sparked on the Ashura procession in Rawalpindi city between the Shiites and banned Sunni extremist outfit. The violent protesters then burnt down the mosques and markets. The police present on the occasion were unable to protect the lives and property of the citizens. It is not the first time that such sectarian violent riots have disturbed the country’s security, political and social conditions. A month ago the Christian Church was attacked, in which more than 100 citizens belonging to Christian minority were killed in North Western city of Peshawar. Last year burnt more than 200 houses of the Christian minority in Joseph Colony in Lahore, the provincial capital of the Pakistan’s largest Punjab Province on the charges of blasphemy. This is the continuation of the deadly actions against the minorities, liberal and secular citizens of the country on the name of blasphemy. In the recent times the attacks against the Hazara Shiati, Christians, Hindus, Ahmadis and other peaceful liberal and secular citizens are increasing day by day. The state is unable to protect the citizens in all parts of the country even in previous government a governor and a federal minister was murdered in blasphemy. The compromising attitude of the state and its agencies are encouraging the extremists to act against the minorities.

Pakistan Peace and Solidarity Council show its full solidarity with these survivors of violence and demands the unbiased probe into the matter. The culprits must be given exemplary punishment, the security agencies and their officials, who are unable to protect the lives and properties of the citizens be identified and punished. The survivors should be given Pak Rs. 1 million compensation amount and ensure the safety and protection of their lives and property in future. Government should immediacy reconstruct these burnt houses. These minorities must be given honor, dignity and the rights to choose the source of livelihoods.

Pakistan Peace and Solidarity Council demands the immediate repeal of the blasphemous laws in the country. The removal of the objective resolution from the constitution of Pakistan and removing the hatred material from the course books and education system of the country. It is time for all the liberal and secular forces of the country to unite and struggle for the protection of the rights of the all citizens of the country. In the upcoming general elections the secular, moderate and liberal forces must unite to counter the menace of extremism in the country.